The Right to Self-Esteem

Now, granted, the Daily Universe (BYU's student newspaper) is not the most intellectually astute publication. Of course, I'm not sure that the category "our best and brightest" ever was meant to apply to journalists. So, it may be that no newspaper can properly be called an intellectually astute publication. The point is, the editorial board at the Daily Universe may have gotten what I'm about to bring up completely wrong.

In their editorial from the February 22, 2008 issue, the board talks about political correctness. They make this incredible assertion: "political correctness has among its central objectives to affirm the right to self-esteem."

Please, please, please tell me that no one actually believes that we should have a right to self-esteem. Even if it were just an uncommon belief...if anyone can show me that this is a highly uncommon belief, please do it. Quickly!

I'm sure all of you who will read this have already thought of these things, but just to be clear, let me point out a couple of problems with a right to self-esteem: sports, as we know them, would be rendered unconstitutional. You might actually see this lawsuit: "Patriots Sue Giants, Claim Right to Self-Esteem Violated in Super Bowl Loss." Comedy Central, all late night talk show hosts, and Bill O'Reilly would be in a great deal of trouble. Middle schoolers the country over would never talk.

I think political correctness has its place, though I think it's rather a small one. Certainly it's proper for me to alter my natural speech so as not to grossly affront ethnic groups, minorities, homosexuals, etc. But that alteration is not proper because those groups/people have a right to self-esteem. It is proper because it is respectful and kind. Asserting a right to self-esteem cheapens other rights that our fathers fought and died for. Those who do so should be ashamed of themselves.